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The Reuben

I’ve been trying to write something about the movie “The King’s Speech” (which was the subject of my d’var Torah this past Shabbat), a must-see movie, but haven’t quite gotten it right yet. In the meantime, see the movie and think about Moses.

What are we talking about here? A sandwich, yes, but much more. What is the role of “tradition” in Judaism? Just because something is an ancient custom, should we take it more seriously than if it were a newly invented ritual? Does a ritual that has its origins in New York – or Mount Sinai – have more authority than one which comes from a different place or time? What makes a ritual Jewish? How much can we remove from a traditional Jewish practice before it no longer is Jewish?

The video raises these delightful questions, and at the very end should make you laugh … and if you enjoy eating Reuben sandwiches, should make you think twice!